Obituary: Joyce Pedersen, 97, Easton Artist

Information and Photo Courtesy Spear Miller Funeral Home

EASTON, CT — Joyce Pedersen, age 97, long-time resident of Easton, passed away Monday, April 3, 2023 at Bridgeport Hospital.

Born in Manchester, England to William and Millicent Durkin, Joyce worked as a bookkeeper during WWII before making her way to America in the 1950s. Joyce explored a new field of work in the United States as a dental assistant and office manager; first in Hempstead, Long Island, and later in Weston, Connecticut. She enjoyed the work, but mostly interacting with patients and managing the office.

Best known for her artwork, Joyce began painting in the 1960s. She attended classes at Silvermine School of Art in New Canaan, and studied under several accomplished artists. Her love and expertise of art saw her become a member of the Easton Arts Council, the Shelton Art League, the Fairfield Arts Council, and The Society of Creative Arts of Newtown (SCAN). Painting was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to Joyce’s hobbies. She also loved to sew and knit. Joyce and was fond of collecting English china and tea cups, reading mysteries, watching her British shows on PBS, and during her younger years, loved to dance.

On Sept. 28, 1996, Joyce married Hugh Pedersen after meeting him at the Easton Senior Center. They shared nearly 18 years together before his passing in 2014. Together they travelled across the US and throughout Europe.

Famous for her luncheons and afternoon tea parties, Joyce was always eager to cook and entertain, truly defining hospitality. She never hesitated to set another seat at the table for extra guests, making sure everyone felt welcome in her home.

Joyce will sadly be missed by her two daughters, Geraldine (Alex) Slater and Roderike Pohl (Craig Brown); two stepsons, Eric Pedersen and Neil (Deborah) Pedersen. She is also survived by her cousin, Vivien Sheffield; one niece, Justine Ellerby, and two nephews, John and Paul Durkin.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated for Joyce on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 59 Church Road, Easton. A silent auction of Joyce’s artwork will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joyce’s memory to Help Heal Veterans.